1947 Rover 12 Sports Tourer

The Rover 12 was designated P2 and first appeared in 1937 as a well-equipped vehicle in a range of derivatives from 10 to 20hp. The chassis was stiffer than previous models and features included leaf sprung suspension all round, rod operated drum brakes and an overhead valve engine, which in the case of the twelve, was of 1496cc.

The very attractive Tourer was offered in 1947 with aluminium over ash four seat coachwork of which some 200 were produced. Clearly this was a quality car very popular with the professional gentleman as evidenced in the TV series ‘All Creatures Great and small’ in which a green example can be seen being hurtled around the Yorkshire Dales by the vet Siegfried Farnon.

This example is body number 83 of the aforesaid 200 Rover 12 Tourer bodies built by A P Aircraft Ltd, the very same company that built Spitfires during World War II. The model was really produced for export and was famous for its Freewheel operation, but a few remained in the UK and KCV 678 is an original UK market car. We understand that it was first registered in Cornwall and owned by one family until 2002, when the mileage was understood to be just 42000. An extensive restoration was carried out from 2002 to a very high standard, but the good leather seats and trim were retained for originality. The vendor’s late husband purchased the Rover in 2012 and it has been clearly cherished throughout the ownership. Most recent maintenance has included the fitting of new spark plugs in 2018 and a cylinder head refurbishment in 2019. We understand that the wing mounted side lights operate as flashers but the trafficators apparently are still in working order.

Overall, the condition of the Rover is exemplary and difficult to fault.  The interior is lovely and akin to a gentlemen’s club, and the hood and side screens are in excellent order.  Mechanically, we understand that the motor car is as it should be.

The extensive history file includes the V5C registration certificate, an early RF60 registration book, an instruction book from 1946 for Rover 1947 models, a 1999 Rover P2 models workshop manual, a number of Rover Sports Register Yearbooks and ‘Freewheel’ bulletins, a 1957 tax disc and others, invoices, interesting correspondence, lots of information on the general operation and maintenance of the motor car, the original schedule of service from Rover, MOT test certificates and wiring diagrams.

Such a lovely motor car and a great opportunity for a Rover enthusiast.

Auction Date: 24 November 2022